Unforgettable Xi’an Tang Dynasty Gems: The Datang Furong Garden & Daming Palace

For many international visitors, Xi’an is not just the “City of Terracotta Warriors”; it’s a living museum of Tang Dynasty civilization. Among its cultural treasures, the Datang Furong Garden and the Daming Palace National Heritage Park are two unmissable attractions, showcasing both the poetic beauty and imperial grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. For practical tips on exploring these sites efficiently in a single day, check out our detailed Xi’an one-day itinerary for the Datang Furong Garden and Daming Palace — a complete guide with transportation advice, ticket info, and a seamless day plan.

Datang Furong Garden: A Living Stage of Tang Dynasty Art

Atmosphere and Design

The Datang Furong Garden is the world’s first Tang Dynasty–themed cultural park, often described as a “re-creation of the imperial garden.” Opened in 2005, it blends nature, architecture, and historical storytelling. Inspired by ancient records of the “Qujiang Banquet,” the garden illustrates the Tang philosophy of harmony between man and nature.

Highlights to Experience

• A World of Light and Water: Covering 1,000 acres with 300 acres of lakes, the park dazzles at night with the world’s longest Tang poetry light strip (2.1 km) and 20-meter LED pillars glowing in twelve colors. Every step feels like walking inside a poem.
• Immersive Shows:
  • Dreaming of the Tang Dynasty — a large-scale show combining dance, acrobatics, and projection. The Times called it the “Eastern Phantom of the Opera.”
  • Chasing the Tang Dynasty Dream — the world’s first live water show, where you ride a boat through famous Tang scenes such as the “Rainbow Robe Dance.” The Guardian praised it for “redefining historical storytelling.”
• Cultural Experience: Rent hanfu (traditional Tang costume) starting at 169 RMB, and immerse yourself in #TangDynastyStyle, a trend with over 200 million Instagram views.

Daming Palace: The Heart of Tang Dynasty Power

History and Legacy

Built in 634 AD, Daming Palace was the center of Tang political and cultural life for over 200 years. Seventeen emperors ruled from here, making it the largest palace complex in the world at its peak. Its design even influenced ancient Japanese capitals like Nara and Kyoto.

What to See Today

• Hanyuan Hall Ruins: The vast foundation is 1.5 times larger than Beijing’s Forbidden City. With the official AR app, visitors can overlay ancient scenes on the ruins, watching emissaries from across the Silk Road pay tribute to the Tang emperor.
• Danfeng Gate: A modern reconstruction with a glass wall that protects the original ruins. Scholars praise this design as “more respectful of history than simple rebuilding.”
• Global Connection: During the 2025 Chang’an Lantern Festival, Daming Palace lit up in sync with the Acropolis in Athens. As the Greek ambassador remarked: “From the Parthenon to Daming Palace, the desire to preserve civilization is universal.”

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Explore Daming Palace in the morning for fewer crowds. Head to the Datang Furong Garden in the evening to enjoy the shows and light displays.
• Language Services: Both attractions offer English guides. The Datang Furong Garden also provides Russian service, while Daming Palace includes French and Japanese support.
• How to Get There:
  • Datang Furong Garden: Metro Line 4, get off at Datang Furong Garden Station.
  • Daming Palace: Metro Line 2, get off at Daming Palace West Station and walk about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

From the poetic artistry of the Datang Furong Garden to the imperial grandeur of the Daming Palace, Xi’an showcases two sides of its Tang Dynasty legacy. One is a romantic vision of culture, the other a symbol of political power.

As the Needham Research Institute at Cambridge once noted: “To understand China, you must understand Chang’an. And to understand Chang’an, these two sites are the key.”

If you want to expand your Xi’an trip further, don’t miss our guides to the Terracotta Warriors and the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance — two more iconic cultural experiences.

Take this guide with you and start your journey through time!